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How it happened: CU Buffs blast CSU Rams, 28-9,…

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Thursday, November 7th 2024

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How it happened: CU Buffs blast CSU Rams, 28-9, to win seventh straight Rocky Mountain Showdown

Travis Hunter stole the show with two touchdown catches plus a highlight-reel interception

By | [email protected] | The Denver Post
UPDATED:

Postgame headlines

+ Keeler: Heisman Hunter! CU Buffs star Travis Hunter gets last laugh, humbles rival CSU Rams in Rocky Mountain Showdown

+ CU Buffs offensive line responds with big effort after Nebraska loss: “It was very personal”

+ CSU Rams’ Jay Norvell after blowout loss to CU: “We just weren’t good enough”

+ Has quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi taken a step back in Year 2?

+ Keeler: What can CSU Rams learn from CU Buffs’ broken promises in the Pac-12?

+ PHOTOS: CU beats CSU 28-9 in Rocky Mountain Showdown

FINAL SCORE: CU 28, CSU 9

The Rocky Mountain Showdown was a Rocky Mountain Skunking.

CU blasted CSU on Saturday in the first game of the rivalry at Canvas Stadium, 28-9. The Rams took an early 3-0 lead on a field goal but then it was all Buffs after that as Shedeur Sanders threw four unanswered touchdowns.

The game lacked the drama of last year’s double-OT win by the Buffs in Boulder. CSU’s offense failed to get out of first gear for most of the evening in front of a Rams record home crowd of 40,099.

Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi was largely inefficient, and the redshirt sophomore QB tossed a pair of interceptions. CSU’s defense also had a couple key penalties to give new life to CU’s first two scoring drives as the Rams played nowhere near well enough to be competitive.

Meanwhile, both programs’ stars had contrasting nights as CU improved to 2-1 and CSU fell to 1-2. The Buffs’ two-way star, Travis Hunter, had two TD catches and 100 yards receiving as well as a highlight-reel pick. CSU’s gamebreaker, Tory Horton, was invisible. Horton, who is dealing with a groin injury, had two catches for 24 yards in the first half and then did not play the second half.

CU’s now won seven Rocky Mountain Showdowns in a row. CSU last won in 2014, and the Rams’ last victory in the series in Fort Collins came in 1955, when the university was known as Colorado A&M. — Kyle Newman

4th quarter — CU 28, CSU 9

9:03 p.m.

Keeping Travis Hunter in the game so he can top 100 yards receiving with less than three minutes left is pure insanity, but here we are. — Matt Schubert

8:45 p.m.

Feels like CU should run the ball more than 17 times, no? Even with a significant lead, the Buffs are airing it out. — Matt Schubert

8:37 p.m.

The Rams finally get into the end zone a couple of plays later on Justin Marshall’s 5-yard touchdown run. Way too little, way too late. It’s 28-9 CU with 9:58 left in the game. — Matt Schubert

CSU Rams score for the first time since making a field goal in the first quarter with its first touchdown but miss the two-point conversion.

Travis Hunter may have injured himself on that last tackle. He’s currently on the bench holding his shoulder. — Matt Schubert

8:27 p.m.

NFL first-round talent beats NFL free-agent invite talent when free-agent invite talent isn’t nearly perfect. CSU’s night is ruined, but not the season. Not yet. CU’s got that swag back, and might not be done scoring for fun. — Sean Keeler

At the start of the fourth quarter, CU Buffs score their fourth touchdown of the game, leading 28-3.

8:25 p.m.

8:23 p.m.

Third quarter takeaway: Forget about getting trounced by their rival in the Showdown’s debut at Canvas Stadium. If this (and what CSU showed at Texas) is what the Rams offense has in the cannon, they’re in serious trouble the rest of the season. Without a healthy Horton to take the top off the defense, CSU looks discombobulated. Meanwhile, the Buffs are making a statement, at least within the borders of this state, that they are still the far superior program. And yes, Travis Hunter is a top-five draft pick come April. — Kyle Newman

3rd quarter — CU 21, CSU 3

8:20 p.m.

Third quarter takeaway: Welcome to what America loves and doesn’t love about CU in one play. Hunter picks off the ball, runs to daylight, then parties after the whistle with his teammates, spinning the football like a top in the CSU red zone. The Buffs didn’t just come here to win. They came here to party. — Sean Keeler

8:17 p.m.

That one will go on the Travis Hunter sizzle reel. CSU went for it on fourth down and Hunter turned it into a pick and long return. He is quite good at football. — Corey Masisak

Travis Hunter with one of the rare fourth-down interceptions that actually results in a gain of field position. Just an incredible game from the Buffs’ two-way star. — Matt Schubert

8:08 p.m.

CSU got away with a pretty blatant offensive pass interference, and the football gods responded on the next play. Rams fumble at the goal line, CU’s Lavonta Bentley rips it out and scoops it up. — Corey Masisak

A night to forget for Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. A fumble from Keegan Holleson first and goal  and there goes what little hope the Rams had of coming back in this game. — Matt Schubert

Whatever BFN did to the football gods, he needs to apologize. Quickly. — Sean Keeler

8 p.m.

CSU just showed the Rams’ “extraordinary moment” on the Canvas Stadium jumbotron. It was… Justin Marshall’s 27-yard run from the first quarter. Sums up the night it’s been for the home team offense. — Kyle Newman

7:52 p.m.

If you’re a CU fan, this game has answered a lot of questions. The offensive line has been sturdy. The defense has swarmed and kept everything in front of them. The mistakes have been minimal. Outside of a slow start in the first quarter, this has been a complete performance. — Matt Schubert

7:49 p.m.

Colorado needed two plays. That was too easy. CSU talked like Mike Tyson during the week and the offense has performed like Glass Joe in this one. — Corey Masisak

Drive home safe, Rams fans. Drive home safe. — Sean Keeler

If the game felt over at halftime, it really feels over now. Travis Hunter scores from 2 yards out on an in-breaking route, and it’s 21-3 CU. — Matt Schubert

7:45 p.m.

Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi just made a can’t-do-that decision. That throw had no chance, and it was easily picked off in double coverage. The Buffs take over inside the CSU 20 with a chance to throw what would probably be a knockout punch early in the third quarter. — Corey Masisak

7:38 p.m.

Rocky Mountain Showdown attendance tonight in FoCo: 40,099, a CSU Rams and Canvas Stadium record, and a sellout. — Kyle Newman

The CSU defense forces a punt at midfield. After an excellent punt from Mark Vassett, the Rams are going to start their first drive of the second half at their 3-yard line. If this is going to be a game, it’s time for CSU to come up with a response. — Matt Schubert

The Rams are getting zero pressure on Shedeur Sanders, still. A recipe for disaster against this Buffs offense. — Matt Schubert

Halftime

7:14 p.m.

Halftime thoughts: CU gave the Rams every opportunity to take control of this game early on. A largely ineffective Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (6 of 10, 54 yards) missed a pair of third-down throws he needed to make. And the defense gave the Buffs a pair of first downs with awful penalties that they absolutely could not do. They gave CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders enough time to get warmed up, and now they’re in a 14-3 hole with the Buffs getting the ball to start the third quarter. This game feels like it’s already over. — Matt Schubert

Halftime thoughts: Oy. That kick. A generous CSU fan would hope this is the Boise State game all over again, and the Rams can fire up a miracle late. A CSU fan who’s seen this team the last three weekends, though, knows better. Shedeur Sanders got comfortable and into a groove, something he didn’t find at Lincoln until it was too late. I had a vision of this game ending with Travis Hunter waving good-bye happily to a rare full house at Canvas. Now I’m wondering if there’ll be many people left to wave to when this is all over. — Sean Keeler

Halftime analysis: Jordan Noyes whiffs on a 52-yard field goal on an untimed down before the half. There’s still two more quarters to play, but it feels like a 14-3 Buffs lead is unsurmountable with the way the Rams offense is playing. Outside of their field goal drive, they’ve done nothing. Tory Horton has two catches for 24 yards and is clearly not 100%. And Shedeur & Co. have found their rhythm. We could see this crowd head for the exits early unless BFN’s unit has a total turnaround in the locker room. — Kyle Newman

2nd quarter — CU 14, CSU 3

7:07 p.m.

Travis Hunter just took a clipping penalty for going low on a blocker out in space. CSU gets an untimed down and a shot at a 49-yard field goal after the yardage is tacked on. — Corey Masisak

Tory Horton hobbled off the field on that last drive. Just a disastrous end to the first half for the Rams. — Matt Schubert

The Rams run the 2-minute drill like I run the 400 hurdles. — Sean Keeler

7:02 p.m.

Last two drives for Colorado: 12 plays, 85 yards, touchdown (with the help of a bad CSU penalty). 9 plays, 84 yards, touchdown (with the help of a bad CSU penalty). When the Rams haven’t bothered Sanders, he’s picked them apart. — Corey Masisak

And a drive that ends with a Wester TD. Rams took their “best” shot early, and CU’s awake and feeling it now. Buffs 14, CSU 3, 0:58 left in the first half. — Sean Keeler

CSU Rams need to play close to perfect to win this game. They have been far from it. Another bad penalty for the CSU defense on second-and-extremely long, and the Buffs are driving. — Matt Schubert

7 p.m.

Mitchell joins Laurich on the “painful penalty” list for CSU, keeping a CU drive alive. — Sean Keeler

6:52 p.m.

CSU punter Paddy Turner certainly has an unorthodox kicking style. He’s a lefty, plus his whole process before the kick is just … different. CU return man LaJohntay Wester is having all kinds of issues with tracking the ball. — Corey Masisak

6:49 p.m.

CSU faced a third and 5, and decided to let Tory Horton try to beat Travis Hunter on a crossing pattern short of the stick. Hunter 1, Horton 0. Rams will have to punt again, and are now averaging 3.5 yards per play late in the first half. — Corey Masisak

The shallow crossers that tore CU apart last year are not working for the Rams tonight. At. All. — Matt Schubert

6:45 p.m.

Keegan Holles remains in at running back for CSU after the CU touchdown drive. — Corey Masisak

6:42 p.m.

CSU’s offense needs to wake up. Or else this game could quickly get away from them. — Kyle Newman

Shedeur Sanders surgical on that drive. CSU had a chance to land an early punch and whiffed badly. Buffs are now in control. — Matt Schubert

Shedeur Sanders hits LaJohntay Wester for the first TD of the game. Buffs up 7-3. Can Rams respond with a score in the 5:51 left in the half? — Kyle Newman

Laurich’s late hit kept that drive alive, and CSU paid for it. Dearly. Shedeur and Hunter warming up now, and a slant to Wester for a 4-yard score puts CU on top 7-3, 5:51 until halftime. — Sean Keeler

6:39 p.m.

Andrew Laurich certainly got his money’s worth on that roughing the passer hit, drilling Sanders after the ball was the released. A clear penalty and also ill-advised, as it gives new life to the Buffs’ drive, which is now knocking on the door of a TD. — Kyle Newman

Just a really bad decision from Lurich on that hit. The Buffs go from third-and-long on their side of the field to first-and-10 in Buffs territory. — Matt Schubert

6:33 p.m.

Fowler-Nicolosi was locked in on Hunter during that third-down rollout, but as soon he looked for another option, Horton broke off the route and looked pretty open. CSU passing game is just out of sync so far. — Corey Masisak

Five combined first downs, five combined punts. Is this the Rocky Mountain Showdown, or Iowa-Iowa State? — Sean Keeler

Feels like CSU missed its shot to win this game. The CU Buffs aren’t going to be stuck in neutral forever. — Matt Schubert

Looks like the Buffs got away with a helmet-to-helmet hit on Marshall on the play the RB was hurt. And now, after a couple near-misses downfield on throws by BFN, the Rams are punting again. — Kyle Newman

6:29 p.m.

Marshall is helped into the medical tent. Holes is in. — Kyle Newman

Justin Marshall was down for several minutes after taking a big hit. He’s up on his feet but not walking off under his own power. Scary. — Sean Keeler

CSU running back Justin Marshall is shaken up after a short run. That would be a big loss for the Rams offense, which hasn’t done much to start this thing. — Matt Schubert

RB Justin Marshall is down after taking a big shot. That could be a blow to CSU’s running game if he can’t continue. Keegan Holles, a Cherry Creek product, is the Rams’ backup. — Kyle Newman

Biggest surprise of the game so far: The CU passing game, despite Shedeur Sanders having time, has been pedestrian. Another three-and-out for the Buffs. — Matt Schubert

6:20 p.m.

Neither team is on pace for 300 yards of offense after the first quarter. Each side hit one big run for 25-plus, and the rest of it has been a grind. Shadeur Sanders is averaging less than three yards per pass attempt. Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has 10 yards passing and 11 rushing on five attempts, at least four of which were designed roll outs that he just tucked and ran the ball. — Corey Masisak

Tory Horton has been a ghost so far. He was overthrown on that third down attempt, and still has zero receptions. Are the Rams just using Horton, who suffered a groin injury in last week’s win over Northern Colorado, as a decoy? He hasn’t been close to his usual game-breaking self. — Kyle Newman

1st quarter — CU 0, CSU 3

6:16 p.m.

First quarter takeaway: The CU offensive line has looked awfully good protecting Shedeur Sanders, and CSU is grinding out yards. If those trends continue, the Buffs are eventually going to run away with this thing. — Matt Schubert

End 1Q: CSU up 3-0 and is hanging in there. The Rams came to play today. But they’re going to need some big plays to elevate their hopes of winning this game. Eventually Shedeur Sanders is going to work his magic and start putting points on the board. Rams need to do the same, and that means Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi needs to start chucking it down field. The QB has more rushing yards at this point (11) than passing yards (10, on two completions). — Kyle Newman

First quarter takeaway: CU sure found something on the ground there by pounding to the left side. Will Shedeur Sanders keep pouring salt in a CSU wound, or forget it and drop back? The chess game beings. — Sean Keeler

6:08 p.m.

A missed field goal, but given what we’ve seen from the CU Buffs offense, the Rams are going to have to start putting TDs on the board if they want to win this. — Matt Schubert

A big hold by the CSU defense there. Also, note on the CU running game: The Buffs clearly don’t trust Dakota Ridge product Charlie Offerdahl running the rock. He had nine carries across the first couple games, but hasn’t touched the ball yet today, with Micah Welch getting all the carries with starter Dallan Hayden out with an injury. — Kyle Newman

Ouch-a-Mata. Automatic no longer. Wide right. — Sean Keeler

6:05 p.m.

Micah Welch with another nice run. Buffs are having success running off the left side of the line. — Matt Schubert

We have a CU run game appearance. Jordan Seaton helps take care of the edge and Micah Welch rips off a 25-yarder. A big development for the Buffs. — Matt Schubert

5:58 p.m.

A fumbled snap killed CSU’s hopes of a touchdown on that drive. The Rams cannot have mistakes like this and win this game. Bookmark that play. — Matt Schubert

CSU picks up a 25-yard field goal by Jordan Noyes to go ahead 3-0 midway through the opening quarter, but Rams wasted a chance to make a big splash with the first TD of the game. Still, a lot of positives from that drive, including Justin Marshall gashing the CU defense a couple times. — Kyle Newman

5:55 p.m.

5:53 p.m.

Colorado had a false start on its first offensive play, and has already been given a sideline warning. The CSU student section enjoyed both of those developments immensely. — Corey Masisak

The Rams are inside the CU 10-yard line with the first timeout called early in the first quarter. Scoring first is an absolute must for CSU if they want to keep this crowd in the game. — Matt Schubert

CSU running back Justin Marshall had one huge run against Northern Colorado, but his other nine runs totaled just 25 yards. His second-best carry of this drive, which picked up a key first down, is already better than his second best from a week ago. — Corey Masisak

5:48 p.m.:

Justin Marshall with your first big play of the game, and the refs missed a facemask. — Matt Schubert

You know in boxing or the UFC where fighters take the opening round to feel each other out, with no much aggression going down? That looks like what’s going on here, as CU also goes three-and-out, with -3 yards. Then, punter Mark Vassett shanks the punt. — Kyle Newman

Shedeur Sanders makes that third-down throw much more often than not. If the Rams are going to cover like that, they are in trouble. — Matt Schubert

5:37 p.m.:

It looked like the punt was partially blocked. Turner took too long to get it off. — Kyle Newman

CU stopping a shallow crosser on third down is a nice callback to last year’s game. — Matt Schubert

Quick three-and-out on an uninspiring opening drive for the Rams. Then, a rough punt by Paddy Turner gives CU good field position to start. If Buffs march down and score, it could take the air out of this place early. — Kyle Newman

A hearty boo from the green-and-gold faithful as CU takes the field. And now, the stadium is packed in. Ready for showtime. The Buffs win the toss and defer. — Kyle Newman

Pre-game updates

5:30 p.m:

Two of three CBS talking heads pick CU to win. The Buffs are 7-point favorites. — Matt Schubert

5:20 p.m.:

5:15 p.m.:

A popular shirt among the CSU tailgaters outside Canvas Stadium: “Buffalo, that’s what’s for dinner.” Multiple Rams fans said they have been looking forward to this game since the day it was announced it would be played here in Fort Collins. One longtime fan said this stadium was built for days like today. — Corey Masisak

The CBS studio crew just called Deion Sanders the “Don King of college football.”

Coach Prime doesn’t use NEARLY as much alliteration. — Matt Schubert

With about 20 minutes until kickoff, the lower bowl of Canvas Stadium is pretty much packed in, but the upper levels still have some room to fill to max out the venue’s 41,000 capacity. Former CSU star and longtime NFL player Joey Porter is on hand to be the honorary cannon man for Comatose. — Kyle Newman

Predictions
Kyle Newman, sportswriter: CSU 31, CU 28
This is a fork in the road for both teams’ seasons. The Rams get their first win over the Buffs since 2014, and their first statement victory of the Norvell Era. CSU’s defensive front comes up with key pressures, and Henry Blackburn’s late interception seals the game for the Rams, who also get a clutch performance out of QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. This win propels CSU to a breakout season and its first bowl since 2017. The Buffs, meanwhile, go the other way: After getting beat by a rival in back-to-back weeks because CU can’t protect the QB and its defense can’t hold, the reality of the Buffs’ tough Big 12 schedule hits hard and Season 2 under Coach Prime spirals.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: CU 33, CSU 21
What’s the golden Rocky Mountain Showdown rule? When the oddsmakers say it’ll be a blowout, it ends up close. When all signs point to a close game, here comes the rout. The Buffs are flawed, you say? So are the Rams, whether they’ve got a rockin’ Canvas Stadium at their backs or not. FoCo will be electric, but electricity alone can’t make up for a dinged-up Tory Horton. CSU has to play nearly perfectly to lap its bigger, faster and more talented big brother down the road. As long as Shedeur Sanders is healthy, CU’s got a lot more wiggle room. And more than enough speed to pull this one out late. Again.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: CU 42, CSU 24
At the start of the season, there were plenty of reasons to believe this game would be close: Year 3 under head coach Jay Norvell. A returning starting QB (Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi) and dangerous weapons (receiver Tory Horton, running back Justin Marshall) around him. And the game’s in FoCo! Just one problem: Through two weeks, the Rams haven’t looked very good. While it would be a stretch to say CU has, either, the defense has provided hope with back-to-back strong second halves, and the Buffs have a clear talent advantage. If the Rams can’t pressure Shedeur Sanders (they can’t), CU names its score.

Corey Masisak, sportswriter: CU 23, CSU 13
Watching Tory Horton pull up lame during the Northern Colorado game last week is definitely coloring this prediction. If Horton was definitely healthy, the Rams could have a great chance in this one — especially if Colorado’s offensive line issues continue for another week. CSU didn’t inspire a lot of confidence after Horton was injured against an FCS opponent who isn’t in the same weight class as the one that pushed the Buffs to the brink. Feels like this one could lack some of the fireworks from a year ago … or this is way off and it’s a wild shootout again.

CU Buffs vs. Nebraska: Must reads

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks down as he comes out on the field before the Colorado Buffaloes host the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado on Aug. 29, 2024. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks down as he comes out on the field before the Colorado Buffaloes host the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado on Aug. 29, 2024. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Keeler: CU Buffs’ Deion Sanders, CSU Rams’ Jay Norvell both need Rocky Mountain Showdown win. After Nebraska, though? Coach Prime needs it more

BOULDER — When the bully across the road gives you a wedgie on national TV, the neighbors start to worry. Get beat by little brother? The neighbors start to talk.

“I would say (CU Buffs coach) Deion Sanders needs (Saturday) more,” CBS analyst and former NFL lineman Ross Tucker, who’s in the booth for Saturday’s Rocky Mountain Showdown at Fort Collins, told me by phone earlier this week. “The reason why I say that is when things started to go south (in 2023), they really went south. (CU) did not show the ability to really handle and overcome adversity very well.

“So based on how last year went, if you’re a CU fan or if you’re a Deion fan, you see back-to-back losses to Nebraska and to CSU, two of the four teams you beat last year, you’ve got to think about how well they’ll be able to keep the team together and in a good headspace for the rest of the season. … (It’s) not even, ‘Here we go again.’ It’s, ‘These are actually two of the teams we beat last year, so we’re going in the wrong direction.’” Read more…

Colorado State linebacker Chase Wilson (30) competes against Texas during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Colorado State linebacker Chase Wilson (30) competes against Texas during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)

Chase Wilson, CSU eager to erase “sour taste” from letting last year’s Rocky Mountain Showdown slip away

Chase Wilson has plenty of great long-term memories about the Rocky Mountain Showdown from growing up in Arvada, where he and his family made an annual tradition of gathering around the TV to watch CSU versus CU.

His short-term memory of the game, which his Rams lost in double OT last year? Not as lovely.

“I always remember turning it on in the living room with my family, and my mom would be making dinner or some sort of Saturday lunch, and it was a big event in our house,” CSU’s redshirt senior middle linebacker said.

“… (But in terms of last season), the accumulation of CU’s whole last scoring drive (to force overtime) is what stuck with me. Throughout the drive there were execution mistakes across the board on defense. The whole drive as a collective is that sour taste that’s lingered.”

Buffs QB Shedeur Sanders drove CU 98 yards in 90 seconds to score and make the game-tying two-point conversion with 36 seconds left in regulation. CU then won in the second extra period, 43-35, in front of a raucous black-and-gold crowd at Folsom Field. Read more…

Feels like CU should run the ball more than 17 times, no? Even with a significant lead, the Buffs are airing it out.

CSU Rams announce they will be joining Pac-12 Conference

College sports’ tectonic plates shifted again Thursday morning, as another Colorado school is making a major move.

The CSU Rams announced that they’ll be joining the Pac-12 — the former conference of the CU Buffs — along with three other Mountain West Conference members on July 1, 2026.

For university president Amy Parsons, it’s a move the school has had its sights set on for more than a decade.

“In a way, we’ve been preparing for this for a long time,” Parsons told The Denver Post by phone from Canvas Stadium a few hours after the announcement. “It’s one of the things we had set out to do when we built this beautiful new football stadium.” Read more…

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